\In*ten"sion\, n. [L. intensio: cf. F. intension. See
{Intend}, and cf. {Intention}.]
1. A straining, stretching, or bending; the state of being
   strained; as, the intension of a musical string.
2. Increase of power or energy of any quality or thing;
   intenseness; fervency. --Jer. Taylor.
         Sounds . . . likewise do rise and fall with the
         intension or remission of the wind.   --Bacon.
3. (Logic & Metaph.) The collective attributes, qualities, or
   marks that make up a complex general notion; the
   comprehension, content, or connotation; -- opposed to
   {extension}, {extent}, or {sphere}.
         This law is, that the intension of our knowledge is
         in the inverse ratio of its extension. --Sir W.
                                               Hamilton.